I'm a minister and a sexologist. Yes, those words do go together! I am also the executive director of the Religious Institute (www.religiousinstitute.org), a multifaith organization dedicated to sexual health and justice. I hope you'll join me in exploring the connection between sexuality, religion and spirituality, and the need for sexual justice in our faith communities and society.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Secretary Clinton: Thank You For Your Visit to the Congo

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton went to Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week. It's one of the most dangerous places in the world.She promised $17 million in US aid for the victims of rape and sexual violence and for prevention efforts.She met with and listened to survivors. She challenged the government to stop abetting violence against women and girls. She spoke out against the exploitation of minerals for the developed world's technology.And all anyone is really talking about in the news is her response to the question about what her husband would think. And oh, her bad hair day.I'd be cranky too if someone asked me what my husband thought in a public forum. I've been trying to think of a single example where a man in a public office is asked in public what his wife thinks. I can't. (Although that might have been a reasonable question to ask the former President after Korea!)I'd definitely be cranky too after hours and hours of flight times, the little planes and jet lag, but even more the horrors she no doubt was hearing about.And I AM more than cranky that the news media is paying attention to all the wrong things about this visit. I so wish that they were holding Mrs. Clinton up for her personal commitment, the fact that the U.S. state department is finally paying attention to the atrocities in the Congo, and shining the light of the world upon the femicide that has been going on for far too long. The women of the Congo deserve more. The Secretary of State deserves more. And all of us must become involved. If you haven't become part of our Congo Sabbath Initiative, please consider doing so this fall. You can read more at our web site, www.religiousinstitute.org